"He can't screw it up": Urban Meyer alerts QB Julian Sayin before Ohio State vs Texas season opener

Urban Meyer and Julian Sayin
Urban Meyer and Julian Sayin [Picture Credits: IMAGN]

Pressure will be on both sides when Steve Sarkisian's Texas Longhorns square off against Ryan Day's Ohio State at Columbus on Saturday. It will be a rematch of last season’s Cotton Bowl, where Ohio State handed Texas a big defeat and advanced to the national championship.

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Former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer shared his two cents on the upcoming season opener. Both sides will field young QBs in Arch Manning and Julian Sayin, and Meyer believes the Ohio State signal caller cannot afford to blow this opportunity.

Meyer said young QBs usually tend to panic at the sight of 110,000+ fans and the intensity of sound from all parts of the stadium. Against a mighty opponent like Texas, the pressure is multifold.

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“You never want your quarterback playing like this," Meyer explained to Joel Klatt on his podcast on Wednesday. "You can't screw it up. He's got an excellent coach's rank. Expert quarterback coach, you give them so many easy throws. You don't need to win this game Julian.
"You do not have to do that. You have enough cats around you, so you're going to see a bunch of screens. I would imagine Jeremiah and that crew. You're going to see a strong run game. You're going to see easy throws."
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Meyer also suggested that Sayin will have to earn his spot on the team and moments like these are a great opportunity to showcase his skillset.

“I would always tell these young quarterbacks, give us two first downs, and your job is accomplished," he said. "... You start saying too much, they start to shut down a little and get panicky."
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Steve Sarkisian has candid reaction to facing Ryan Day at Ohio State

Texas has a grueling schedule in 2025, with Sarkisian and his players set to travel almost 10,000 miles. With the first game at Ohio State, Arch Manning and Co. will get an idea of what to expect going deep into the season.

During the weekly coaches teleconference, Sarkisian mentioned that things won't change when he is at Columbus this weekend.

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“I’m going to take it all in. Like I said, last year was my first time going to the big house. Historically for me, traditionally, when I get to a stadium, I do a lap around the field and try to take it in. I try to take in the fanfare and I’ll do the same.”
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He also reiterated his admiration for Day and the Buckeyes, adding that one game can't define their season.

The preseason AP Poll predicts Texas to be a big-time contender for the golden trophy this season.

Ohio State Buckeyes Fan? Check out the latest Buckeyes depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place

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Edited by Deepesh Nair
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